Scaling Up: Systems approaches for climate and water management

The thematic day aims to change or influence the following: 

• The approach to water management by shifting from traditional “top-down” approaches to more inclusive and context-specific methods. 
• The prioritization of investments in water management is not only based on financial and economic objectives but also on the principles of sustainability and resilience. 
• The integration of local knowledge and stakeholder engagement in decision-making processes related to water management. 
• The adoption of resilient water management tools and approaches that are adaptable to local conditions and constraints. 

To reach the vision of a more water-secure and climate-resilient future, the following needs to be done differently: 

• Emphasize the importance of water in the context of climate change: Highlight the interconnections between water and climate change impacts, such as droughts and floods, to raise awareness and understanding among stakeholders. 
• Foster collaboration and dialogue: Encourage dialogue between different actors, including public, private, and civil society, Party delegations and UNFCCC Bodies, to promote knowledge sharing and collective action. 
• Incorporate local context and constraints: Ensure that water management approaches consider the specific local conditions, challenges, and constraints, rather than relying solely on large-scale models and predictions. 
• Enhance stakeholder engagement: Involve stakeholders at all levels, including local communities, in decision-making processes related to water management to ensure their perspectives and needs are considered. 
• Promote resilient water management tools and approaches: Advocate for the adoption of innovative and adaptable water management tools and approaches that can withstand the uncertainties and challenges posed by climate change. 

Our principal targets are climate scientists, engineers, technical experts, and key decision makers attending the events. We want to share engage a wide range of stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, and international cooperation to share experiences (case studies) and lessons learned from their experience addressing water and climate risks, incl. ‘water-adjacent’ experts. Emphasis will be placed on collective action and addressing bottlenecks.